TDs in Galway, Limerick and Cork have heard stories of the struggles of charities, voluntary organisations and many small businesses including shops to deal with unsustainable insurance premium hikes. Three Alliance for Insurance Reform Town Hall meetings took place over the past few days.

RGDATA is currently reviewing the second report from the Cost of Insurance Working Group which addresses the cost of Employer and Public Liability Insurance. An RGDATA delegation made a presentation to the Group and RGDATA made several submissions on the reforms required to reduce the cost of shop insurance. We will revert to Minister Michael D'Arcy this week with our full review.

RGDATA member Eoin McCambridge is a key spokesperson for the new Alliance for Insurance Reform. See the following links for the press release and for press coverage. The Alliance will be holding a series of town hall meetings over the coming weeks.

We want to hear from members who have been leading the way in reducing plastic waste. Call us on 01-2887584 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your views.

RGDATA Director General Tara Buckley raised independent retailers' concerns about unsustainable increases in shop insurance premiums and insurance companies settling claims without contacting shop owners at a meeting organised by Insurance Ireland. RGDATA asked for a full report back from Insurance Ireland on all the issues raised at the meeting.

Thank you to everyone who has completed the 2 Minute Survey on insurance costs we circulated. We have had a very good response but have extended the deadline to midnight tonight, Tuesday 16th January. This is in order to allow absolutely everyone who has concerns about their insurance costs to have their voice heard. The link to the survey is as follows: